Cardiovascular Care and Research in the Asia-Pacific Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Early and Mid-career Physicians

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a significant burden on healthcare systems in the Asia-Pacific region and has had a varying impact on physicians at different stages of their career. This study sought to evaluate the personal perspectives and the experiences of early and mid-career cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons with regard to the impact of the pandemic in the region. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from June to July 2023 among members of the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) young community. The survey aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular clinical care and research activities that contained sections on demographic information, pandemic-related clinical and research experiences, personal stories, and interest in long-COVID research. Results: Overall, 60 physicians (44%) in the APSC young community responded to the survey. Cardiovascular disease patient numbers initially dropped in 2020 during the pandemic’s early stages but gradually increased in the following 3 years. Non-cardiovascular patient care workloads also rose during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Respondents observed notable changes in clinical care, research and personal life. Positive aspects included increased adaptability and telemedicine adoption, while challenges involved higher workloads and stress. More than 70% expressed interest in understanding the impact of long COVID, with Southeast Asian members showing the highest levels of interest. Conclusion: This survey conducted in the aftermath of the pandemic shed light on the challenges experienced by early to mid-career Asia-Pacific cardiovascular physicians. Physicians at this career stage encounter distinctive hurdles that require thoughtful consideration and effective solutions.